10 weeks pregnant

10 weeks already! Can you believe it..?

That little life inside of you is growing so rapidly. Both your baby and your body are going through many changes, you may feel slightly overwhelmed. The following article will discuss your baby’s growth and what you can expect at 10 weeks pregnant.

Your baby at 10 weeks pregnant

Your baby is about an inch and a half long now and roughly the size of a prune. Around this time you baby will start to mimic breathing movements, although it is still getting its oxygen supply through the umbilical cord. The yolk sack is no longer necessary and has began to dissolve as the liver has taken over the production of red blood cells. Your baby’s skin is becoming less translucent and even though they are not nearly developed and will not be visible for a few weeks, your baby’s genitals are starting to take shape.

First teeth

As your baby’s jawbone is developing their first teeth are starting to form under his/her gums, but they won’t break through til your baby is about 6 months old. Bones and cartilage are starting to develop and your baby’s legs are starting to develop small indentations for his/her knees and ankles. They are able to bend their arms at the wrist and tiny fingernails are growing on the tips of their fingers. Your baby’s eyelids are now completely fused shut and will not open until around weeks 26-27. You will now be able to see the outline of your baby’s spine via ultrasound.

Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly and is producing nearly 250,000 neurons every minute. The heart is fully formed and beating three times faster than yours. Kidneys are now fully developed and have begin to produce urine, which is crucial as your baby is now able to swallow and digest fluid.

Your body at 10 weeks pregnant

At ten weeks pregnant the reality of it all may be finally hitting you and you may start to experience bouts of worry and anxiety. This is normal during early pregnancy, but if it gets out of control you should definitely talk to someone; your midwife, partner, a close friend or your doctor. But on a good note, most women say that they experience a noticeable decrease in morning sickness by weeks ten through twelve, as well as a sudden boost in energy as fatigue has started to fade as.

You might be noticing that you feel bound up and constipated during this time. This is due to the fact that your pregnancy hormones are causing your bowels to become sluggish. You can rectify this situation by eating plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, grains and drinking plenty of water. You may finally notice that your belly is starting to protrude a little as your uterus is now the size of a small grapefruit. Although it may be too early to buy maternity clothes at this time, you will want to start to wear looser fitting clothes and you may also have gone up a cup size, or two, as your breasts are becoming larger due to milk production.

Urinary tract infections

At this stage in your pregnancy, you may be at greater risk for UTI’s (urinary tract infections). These can occur when the higher levels of progesterone tend to relax your urinary tract, slowing the flow of urine which gives bacteria more time to grow and develop. When these bacteria then travel to your urethra via your rectrum they continue to multiply thus causing infection. UTI’s are also referred to as cystitis and symptoms include discomfort, pain and/or burning sensations during urination, an even more frequent urge to pee, pelvic pain or discomfort and lower abdominal pain.

You may notice that your urine looks cloudy and has a foul odor. It is imperative that you see your prenatal doctor if you suspect that you have a UTI as left untreated it can lead to a kidney infection, which be detrimental to both the health of you and your baby. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take during pregnancy. Do not let this go untreated as it can lead to early labor and other complications.

Prenatal appointment

If you have not already had your first prenatal appointment you need to do so. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical including blood work, urine test, pap smear and pelvic exam. He will discuss your detailed medical history including that of your partner’s and both sets of parents. Your doctor may order additional tests such a nuchal translucency test, which tests for risks such as Down syndrome, congenital heart problems, and other chromosomal abnormalities.

Exercise and diet

You can still continue to engage in light to moderate exercise during this time. Swimming and walking are the most recommended forms of exercise that can be continued throughout the duration of your pregnancy. Yoga and pilates are recommended in early pregnancy as well. Exercise helps to increase muscle tone, endurance and strength, which can help you maintain and carry your pregnancy weight as well as help prepare you for the physical stresses of the delivery process. You definitely want to avoid extreme and contact sports. Discuss your exercise routine with your doctor or midwife.

Again, it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid foods that are greasy and spicy. Make sure you are only consuming meats that are low in fat and seafood that is low in mercury and make sure that both are thoroughly cooked. Eat plenty of vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables, plenty of whole grains, dairy and beans. Avoid foods such as fish that is high in mercury, soft cheeses, unpasteurized foods, raw seafood and processed foods such as lunch meat. Smoking, alcoholic beverages, drug use and caffeine are absolutely out of the question as they can lead to birth defects and can cause serious pregnancy complications.

Medications

Discuss all medications, including any over the counter meds, vitamins and supplements you are taking with your doctor. Be sure to take whatever prenatal supplements are prescribed such as B vitamins, folic acid and iron. Keep all scheduled appointments and stay in close contact with your doctor and midwife. Alert your doctor and seek medical attention immediately if you start to experience pregnancy complications such as blurred vision, fainting, severe headaches and stomach cramping, pelvic pain, vaginal spotting or bleeding or extreme vomiting and nausea.